PHILADELPHIA — December 10, 2008 —Sapphire Fund, a community-based non-profit which champions the multi-faceted needs of the Philadelphia-area LGBTQ community, has announced its 2008 beneficiaries. They are: Mazzoni Center, Foyer of Philadelphia, and the National Adoption Center/Adoption Center of Delaware Valley.

Mazzoni Center:
Throughout its nearly 30-year history, Mazzoni Center has been committed to providing quality comprehensive health and wellness services in an LGBTQ-focused environment, while preserving the dignity and improving the quality of life of the individuals they serve. www.mazzonicenter.org

At a time when nearly one in four LGBTQ community members are without adequate health care insurance (more info), Mazzoni Center's work remains vital to all members of our community.  

Foyer of Philadelphia: 
Foyer of Philadelphia was founded to facilitate the transition of LGBTQ young adults from foster care and/or homelessness to self-sufficiency and independence.  The agency provides LGBTQ young adults with educational opportunities, employment resources, and housing stability.  The comprehensive services available through "Foyer" benefit participants by enriching their skills and developing their self-awareness as they mature into adulthood.  www.foyerofphiladelphia.org

A 2007 study by Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition and Philadelphia Safe and Sound ("Aged-Out and Homeless in Philadelphia. Philadelphia, PA"), details the many issues surrounding LGBTQ youth who are aging out of our foster care system.   These "aging out" youth, coupled with other young community members forced to leave home because of their sexual orientation, demonstrates the critical need for the supportive programming offered by Foyer.

National Adoption Center/Adoption Center of Delaware Valley:
At the National Adoption Center/Adoption Center of Delaware Valley (NAC/ACDV) "there are no unwanted children, just unfound families."  The NAC/ACDV is establishing an innovative pilot project connecting prospective adoptive parents from the local LGBTQ community with children in foster care who are waiting for permanent families.  Once established, NAC/ACDV hopes this program will become a national model.   www.acdv.org
“As in past years, Sapphire Fund has received grant applications from many worthy and deserving applicants.  The quality of these applicants, and the truly remarkable work they do for our community, has made the selection of this year’s beneficiaries particularly difficult.    Nevertheless, Sapphire Fund believes this year’s beneficiaries further our organization’s mission while having a significant and measurable impact on the LGBTQ,” says  Wayne Hamilton, president of Sapphire Fund.

Last year, Sapphire Fund gave away $37,500 (through its grant program and through its Tony Sparacino Memorial Scholarship).  And, since its inception in 2002, has returned nearly $250,000.00 to the community.  Sapphire Fund also co-produces our community World AIDS Day remembrance. 

Sapphire Fund: Our Mission is Our Community. For more information, visit our website at www.sapphirefund.org.